Diabetes And Treatment

The main aim in treating diabetes is to keep the symptoms under control. Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can cause abnormal levels of blood sugar. The treatments for both these conditions vary depending on the need of the patient. Type 1 diabetes is treated using insulin, healthy diet, and exercise. All these are managed through lifestyle changes. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is managed by weight reduction, exercise and diet.

When any of the above strategies fail, medications are used to control the rising blood sugar levels. If oral medications do not work, then insulin is injected.

For a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic patient, management of diet is very important. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) prescribes a standard diabetic diet. It is a balanced intake of nutrition, and low fat and sugars. The meal plan is divided into three parts. In addition, the Association suggests weight reduction exercises, which will increase the body’s metabolism and force the absorption of insulin into the bloodstream. Using the diet and exercise the blood sugar levels are brought under control, so that the symptoms do not elevate.

Under Type 2 diabetes, the medications given depend on the increase in insulin output caused by the pancreas. The medicines control the glucose that is released by the liver, and increase the sensitivity of the cells and their response to insulin. It decreases the absorption of carbohydrates absorption from the intestines. If a patient has other conditions, such as cholesterol and blood pressure, the medications are altered accordingly. Prescribing medications for a Type 2 diabetic patient is an invasive procedure. It depends on an individual and their health condition.

For pregnant women, the only way of controlling diabetes is through insulin therapy, exercise and a planned diet. However, gestational diabetes is a temporary condition and long term management of the disease is not required.

Costs of treatment for diabetes are undertaken by the present Medical Health Care system. The current purview of medications also takes care of other underlying conditions like high blood pressure for example. According to the ADA, medications are altered in such a way that they take care of the elevated blood sugar levels while controlling other conditions, such as cholesterol. The medication options for Type 2 can be altered according to an individual’s needs. The problem with Type 2 diabetes is that not every diabetes medication will suit an individual. The medication has to be tailored, but every medication designed for an individual takes care of other underlying problems as well. Regardless of these medications, control and management of the disease invariably depends on lifestyle changes for the patient.

The hectic life that people are leading today is the main reason for the increase in fast food intake. People are either too tired or busy to cook. So, when they get home or they feel hungry, they just prefer to munch on fast food, which is relatively inexpensive. However, this is also causing a rise in obesity among people which is one of the causes of diabetes. If a person reduces the amount of fast food he/she consumes in a week, it could help in preventing diabetes some time in the future. More..